<p>“you couldn’t even secure an interview for a receptionist position at those firms without a degree.”</p>
<p>This is the case at my employer. We just went through a receptionist job search, and all the interviewees were not only BA holders, but most went to strong public flagship schools. We want someone who is smart and literate, comfortable interacting in person and in writing with professors and graduate students. We want someone who is reliable and has good judgment. If we introduce a surprise like a new software system, we want someone who masters it easily. There are a lot of high school dropouts who might fit the bill, but liberal arts BA holders from good schools are a much safer bet.</p>